ALLEN PARK — Jeremy Ross has found this clean-slate approach by the new Detroit Lions coaching staff to his liking.

The wide receiver/returner has been noticeable in the offseason practices including Tuesday’s first day of mandatory minicamp.

“Ross has been great out there, he’s having a great offseason, he’s catching everything, he’s smart, he knows what to do,’’ wide receiver Calvin Johnson said. “He’s in the right place at the right time.’’

Coach Jim Caldwell and Ross were together at the Indianapolis Colts when Ross spent most of the 2011 season on the practice squad and then was cut in August 31, 2012 after training camp.

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“Me and Jim Caldwell have some history, with the Colts,’’ Ross said. “I like him a lot as a coach, having a new staff come in I definitely like it because it’s a fresh start — you don’t go in off what happened last year. They don’t really know too much about anyone here beside Calvin and Golden (Tate).’’

Caldwell sees some similarities in Ross from 2011.

“He’s the same guy in terms of his approach to the game, he loves to play, he’s got a lot of enthusiasm, he’s athletic,’’ Caldwell said. “This guy wants to be good and he has infectious enthusiasm. He had it then and has it now, he’s always got a big smile no his face and is ready to go to work.’’

Caldwell said he’s noticed a difference in Ross’ physical maturity.

Ross worked out at California where he played in college in the offseason.

“Changing direction, a lot of agility, getting a foundation of strength in my lower half,’’ Ross said. “That’s helped me be able to stop on a dime, slow down, pump the brakes.’’

Last season he was signed to the Lions practice squad on Oct. 7 and then promoted to the 53-man roster on Oct. 19 after Nate Burleson broke his forearm. Ross started the 2013 season with the Green Bay Packers, played in three games and then was cut after a crucial fumble on a kickoff which led to a Cincinnati Bengals’ touchdown.

He played in 10 games for the Lions, averaging 29.3 yards on kick returns and 16.2 yard on punt returns — with a return for a touchdown on each in the same game. Offensively Ross had just five catches for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Expect to see him more involved in the offense this season.

“No doubt about it, he’s a great player on special teams but he’s had a great offseason,’’ Johnson said. “He’s catching the ball great. You can tell he’s been in the playbook when we’ve had time off.’’

The 26-year-old Ross, who wasn’t drafted, has never been able to find a good home in the NFL.

“I’m always up against contracts. It’s not necessarily battling against the players, it’s about contracts,’’ Ross said. “Being that I came out an unrestricted free agent guys have contracts and they’re going to play. And the guys are just good. ... Everywhere I’m at they’ve got some top big-name guys.

This season might be his best chance to play offense as well as return.

“It’s yet to be seen (where he will fit in), but there’s a role for him,’’ Caldwell said. “He’s catching the ball well you saw today, he can run with it when he gets it in his hands, he makes good decisions and so it’s a good competitive situation.’’

About the Author

Paula Pasche is a longtime sports writer for The Oakland Press and blogs at http://oplions.blogspot.com/. Author of book, "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die." Follow on Tout and Twitter @paulapasche. Reach the author at paula.pasche@oakpress.com
or follow Paula on Twitter: @PaulaPasche.